Food Scientist

The food technician role focuses on supporting all product platforms of R&D the daily duties of the technician include: supporting the team with operating equipment ordering and handling raw materials preparing new materials for internal and customer testing conducting experiments maintaining lab reports performing routine testing becoming eligible in the formulations they are working with and analyzing and reporting results the role has a responsibility for ensuring both food safety and quality of the food products. This role will also aid in shipping and receiving of finished good for tasting and shelf life testing.

• Support in the operation of all lab equipment, participate in sales/shipment projects, shelf life studies, special projects, support Industrial trials and Elevated Quality Management

• Record observations, collect and prepare data for further analysis, prepare basic lab reports under guidance from Scientist/R&D Manager

• Attend the scheduled planning and execution of the design of experiment with the direction of the scientists and team members

• Support preventative maintenance, calibrations, preparations, operating and CIP's on all current pilot laboratory and pilot plant processing and testing equipment. Follow the plant procedure for required maintenance on all pilot processing equipment and machinery for safety, quality or environmental concerns

• Participate in physical, chemical and sensory evaluations of food ingredients and finished products for Safe Quality Food

• Complete procedures to create, maintain and provide accurate records

• Procure ingredients and supplies internally and through external vendors either by project or by lead Scientist. Provide and maintain proper storage area for all items. Cycle count items to provide correct minimum/maximum counts and correct, ongoing inventory until end of project

• Coordinate with internal departments in managing shipments of ingredients to vendors within US and overseas. Finished Goods sales sample dispatch coordination with regional sales manager

• Be an active participant in discussions, workshops and informational meetings with our internal supporting departments

• Maintain a clean work environment, participate in sanitation duties

• Continuous work on all assigned goals and projects

• Practice discretion with confidential and proprietary projects and products

• Attend and participate in mandatory yearly Allergen, HACCP, GMP, Safety trainings and all other required meetings/training

• Complete additional work assigned, including special projects

• Follow La Colombe's safety procedures, standard operating procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices

Qualifications

The requirements of this position include:

• 1-3 years of experience in food manufacturing or laboratory science; or degree in a science field with little to no experience

• Experience in operating or maintaining manufacturing equipment in a food / beverage environment preferred

• Ability to operate pilot plant production equipment and laboratory testing equipment involved in the manufacturing of food and beverages required

• Flexibility in working hours as project/trials rotate according to priority and product demand

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work by determining the sequencing and timing of different jobs based on precedence and importance

• A "hands on" mentality with a positive attitude and willingness to learn

• The ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures and instructions

• Knowledge of Sanitation, CIP and COP procedures preferred, and ability to work with chemicals

• Basic computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Word and Excel, PowerPoint a plus

• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly define ideas, problems and solutions

• Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to work independently and in group settings

• Basic math and problem-solving skills required

• Being a team player is a must for our team

• Working knowledge of PPE's, GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices)